Cohousing-L Mailing List: New Version of the Timeline Game

[Mac Thomson (mac]

Stephanie Fassnacht queried:

> I am planning to present the Timeline Game to our group, based on what I
> learned at the Cohousing Conference.  Now that I look at my notes, I see
> that they're a bit incomplete.  I do seem to recall a post a while back
> that indicated that the Timeline Game may now be available from Bruce
> Coldham (sp?) at a much lower cost than when it originally came out. 
> Does anyone have information on what the current cost and availability
> of this learning aid is?

I wasn't planning to post this for another week or so until some final
distribution testing is completed, but since you ask . . . . .

I've been working with Bruce to put together a completely revamped version of
the Timeline Game (TLG) that will hopefully make the game more user friendly
so groups can easily play it without the need of Bruce there to facilitate
it.

Bruce and I have worked on this project on a voluntary basis.  Proceeds go
towards covering costs with the majority donated to the CoHousing Network so
they can continue to do great things for CoHousing.

For those unfamiliar with the TLG . . . . .

PLAYING THE GAME
The game provides a hands-on experience for core group members to begin to
learn about, plan for, and manage their development process up through the
beginning of construction.  A qualified facilitator leads the group through
arranging various development activities into a flowchart reflecting the
group's development plan.  Throughout the game various issues are raised and
discussed about financing, membership, consultants, permits, etc, etc, etc.

OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME
*To help a core group to:
     *better understand and appreciate the cohousing development process. 
     *learn a method of planning, organizing, and managing that process.
*To cultivate in all members enthusiasm, involvement, and ownership in the
development process.
*To create a process flowchart that, with increasing refinement, will:
     *help your group efficiently and effectively move through the process of
creating cohousing.
     *help orient newcomers to the process.
     *impress third parties.
*To contribute to group members' understanding and appreciation of each other
and to create awareness of each other's expertise in various development
areas.
*To have fun while you are playing the game.

WHAT DOES THE GAME CONSIST OF?
The game is contained on 7 computer files which are printed out.  Some of
them then require assembling, which involves creating Activity Cards,
creating visual aid posters, etc.  This assembly does take some time and
requires purchasing some materials from an office supply store.

Specifically included in the files are:
*Introduction and planning instructions.
*Activity Cards material.
*Completed Sample Flowchart.
*Visual Aids Posters material.
*Facilitator's notes.
*Extensive Discussion Topics.
*Evaluation Form.

HOW TO GET A COPY OF THE GAME
Copies of the CoHousing Timeline Game can be purchased from Mac Thomson for
$20 by sending him a check made out to The CoHousing Network.  The game is
available on computer files or by fax.  The computer files are available for
both Macintosh and Windows users.  Be sure to indicate in your request:
        *By fax or in computer files.  If in computer files, then please 
indicate:
                                *Macintosh or Windows version.
                                *If you'd like to receive the game via e-mail 
or on diskette via snail
mail.

NOTE:  The distribution testing that I am completing will determine with
certainty that I can distribute the files for both Macintosh and Windows
users via e-mail.  I think we can pull it off.  I've got my best man working
on this one (yet another volunteer, and one not even paticularly interested
in cohousing).  So, no promises yet, but if you're anxious for a copy, I'm
sure I can get you one in one form or another.  I'll post an update to this
list when the test is finished.

Reach me at:
Mac Thomson
862 County Road 503                                 mac [at] happyvalley.com
Bayfield, CO  81122                             303-884-2196

I sincerely hope that this new version of the game will help fledgling
cohousing groups (such as ours) to make their dream a reality.


*   Mac Thomson                         San Juan Cohousing
*   Mac [at] HappyValley.com           Durango, Colorado
*
* "It were not best that we should all think alike; it is the difference
*   of opinion that makes horse races."   - Mark Twain


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